The children at Longparish Little School have earned an international accreditation this academic year, recognising their amazing work in making their preschool more environmentally friendly and raising eco-awareness.

The Eco-Schools programme was established in 1994 and is now delivered in more than 70 countries across the globe. More than one million pupils attended an Eco-School in England in 2022-23.

The children at Little School first formed an eco-committee, then helped eco-school coordinator Sylvia Condon to conduct an environmental review, assessing how eco-friendly their preschool is. Building on their findings they planned a year of action designed to advance their green credentials, improve their local environment, and protect our planet.

The eco-committee connected their work to three eco-schools topics: Litter/ waste, school grounds and global citizenship. They then planned a variety of projects including litter pick around the village, growing our own flowers, fruit and vegetables, rehoming toys in our toy swap and lots of recycling.

The whole of Little School are overwhelmed with excitement after receiving an Eco School’s Green Flag.

To celebrate the school decided to throw an eco party, and enjoyed a homemade eco cake.

Sylvia said the children were very enthusiastic and engaging in learning about our planet and the different ways in which we can help save it. 

She added: "I am very proud of all the things they learnt on this journey."

Charlie aged four, who was one of the children on the eco-school committee, said: "My favourite things were planting because my sunflower has grown really big. It is important to plant flowers so bees can make honey."

Eco-Schools England manager, Adam Flint, said: “The Eco-Schools Green Flag award is an internationally recognised symbol of high environmental standards. The pupils and school staff that earn the award deserve immense credit for their hard work, determination, and creativity. Their passion for protecting our planet is an inspiration to us all.”